The devastating floods that have hit Spain, especially the regions of Valencia and Castilla-La Mancha, have left at least 95 people dead, with many missing and incalculable damage. The Spanish government has declared three days of national mourning. The government is currently unable to provide official figures on the number of missing, highlighting the scale of the tragedy. Rescue operations are underway, but have been hampered by downed power lines, lack of communications and impassable roads. The Valencian Community has activated a number to report missing family members.

The heavy rains were caused by Dana, a meteorological phenomenon characterized by intense rainfall and winds, which has hit Spain in the last 48 hours. This atmospheric event is similar to the one that recently affected northern Italy. According to a meteorologist, it is a particularly dangerous stationary depression that could continue to affect Spanish regions in the coming days.

The situation is getting worse as the hours pass and the political controversy over the management of the emergency is becoming more heated. The president of the Valencia region, Carlos Mazón, has been accused of underestimating the intensity of the flood. A “red” alert was issued in the early hours of the morning, but an urgent warning from the Civil Protection did not arrive until many hours later, when the flooding was already underway.

The severe weather did not only hit Valencia; other areas of Spain suffered similar damage. In Jerez de la Frontera, a waterspout quickly flooded several streets. Eyewitnesses described dramatic situations: one woman described how the streets became raging rivers in a matter of minutes.

In response to the crisis, the Spanish government has mobilized military forces to assist in rescue operations and the search for missing people. Rescuers are using inflatable boats to reach the most affected areas and help those trapped.

Authorities are facing the challenge of post-emergency reconstruction while people’s thoughts turn to the victims and their families. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged support to help the affected populations recover from the tragedy. The international community has expressed solidarity and offered assistance at this difficult time for Spain.